Featured photos

Canada got the last hurrah at the Celebration of Light Saturday evening, closing the three-night event with a winning display. Canada was declared the winner of the event, with Brazil and China finishing second and third, respectively.

Little Burnaby artist raises big money for autism

Five-year-old recently diagnosed with disorder auctions off paintings for charity

Jessica Norman and her daughter Linden, 5, who was recently diagnosed with autism. The pair recently raised nearly $2,500 for charity by selling some of Linden’s paintings in an online auction.

Photograph by: Jenelle Schneider
, SUN

METRO VANCOUVER -- Jessica Norman isn’t sure where her daughter’s talents come from. Nor can she pinpoint precisely the origin of Linden’s desire to help others.

“Maybe it’s just the way she is,” she said in the living room of her Burnaby home with the five-year-old budding artist bouncing around in her lap. “Maybe she was born with a fabulous golden heart.”

Near where the two sit, the wall is flanked with Linden’s paintings that recently raised about $2,500 for charity in an online auction launched through a Facebook page.

Mother, daughter and the third member of the family, three-year-old Cayden, will be going on a walk April 12 to raise money for the Canucks Autism Network and on a run June 1 to raise money for B.C. Children’s Hospital’s treatment and research of pediatric cancer.

Perhaps Linden comes by her altruistic nature by mimicking her mother, who wants to give back.

When Cayden was nine-months-old, he had surgery on his skull at B.C. Children’s Hospital to repair a defect that would have caused pressure on his brain and other problems if not corrected. Today, he is developmentally delayed but otherwise fine.

Then in January, his sister Linden was diagnosed with autism, a disorder that manifests itself with symptoms such as socially withdrawing and repetitive behaviour.

Hence the participation in the two charities.

Life is busy with so many medical appointments, a job, and trying to meet the needs of two special children, yet Norman finds time to help those who have helped her.

“I’m a giver and I have always liked to help in one way or another,” said the single mother of two, who works as an educational assistant in the Burnaby school district.

When Norman mentioned the walk and the run to her daughter, Linden immediately suggested a third philanthropic venture. “Oh, mommy, I want to paint!” she cried.

Norman asked her little girl what she meant.

Linden said she wanted “to paint for the kids, to make them happy.”

So you want to sell the paintings for a donation?

Yes, that’s exactly what her daughter wanted.

Norman was on board. “I’m a person who believes in capability. I’m a person who believes the sky is the limit. If you want to do something, then just go ahead and do it.”

As we talk, Linden fetches paintings and brings them over to show me. Her favourite is one of a rainbow, but she also loves one that is full of hearts — glittery hearts, violet and turquoise green hearts, hearts of many colours. It is perhaps a reflection of who she is.

In a one-day online auction at the end of March, all 20 paintings sold with bids coming in from the Interior, Vancouver Island and northern B.C.

Norman was astounded by the response.

“I’m really so proud of her,” said the 31-year-old mother.

“Everyone should know who you are,” she said, addressing her daughter, who was a standout in her bright spectacles and frilly turquoise skirt.

Having two children with disabilities has heightened Norman’s desire in her job to help children in the classroom and to help families facing similar struggles.

It’s kind of ironic that Norman is now helping to support the Canucks Autism Network which, in turn, is also helping the daughter who is named after former Canuck captain Trevor Linden. The player made his mark not only on the ice and in the dressing room, but also did so much to help needy children.

“I liked the way he was on the ice and I liked the way he played and his passion,” said Norman. “He is a good guy.”

Norman is still a Canucks fan, watching hockey games with her kids even as the team falters this season.

Although people with autism are sometimes thought to be savants with special skills, Norman doesn’t think her daughter’s artistic talents come from this condition.

“I think she was born with a gift of being creative and painting. I think it’s just a part of her.”

From the minute Linden picked up a paint brush, she seemed to love it. Then, when Norman put her in an art program in Burnaby at the age of four, she realized the extent of her talent.

Her daughter is now getting extra help for her autism in the kindergarten classroom at Armstrong elementary. Norman is grateful for this but laments that a child needs to be labelled to get help. “I think every child deserves help, whether they have a label or not.”

Norman, whose simple but well-ordered home reflects her efficient manner, admits she gets a little sad at times about having kids who have been diagnosed with disorders. But she is grateful for the friends and family who have helped her walk through it. Besides, her busy life doesn’t allow for too much melancholy. Neither does it seem to be in her nature.

“They are who they are and I wouldn’t change them,” said Norman. “They definitely make my life a bit brighter.”

We encourage all readers to share their views on our articles and blog posts. We are committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion, so we ask you to avoid personal attacks, and please keep your comments relevant and respectful. If you encounter a comment that is abusive, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the comment box to report spam or abuse. We are using Facebook commenting. Visit our FAQ page for more information.